Liverpool target Diego Costa rules out January move to Anfield

Brazil international admits he had the chance to join the Reds this summer.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has ruled out joining Liverpool in the January transfer window after coming close to joining the Reds in the summer.

The Brazil international was the subject of a late £22 million bid from the Merseyside club that was reportedly turned down by Atletico – but Costa revealed he was close to moving to Anfield this summer only to have a last minute change of heart.

“I had options to leave Atletico Madrid,” Costa said, according to Metro. “I was very close to leaving – Liverpool is a great team.

“But after so much fighting and overcoming so many difficulties to win my place at Atletico, I couldn’t go.”

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers subsequently brought in Nigerian winger Victor Moses on a season-long loan from Chelsea but is expected to reignite his pursuit of Costa when the transfer window reopens in the new year.

However, the 24-year-old insists his long-term future lies in Spain and is content at Atletico after recently signing a new contract at the Estadio Vincente Calderon.

“I will stay at Atletico,” he added. “I think it is important for me to continue growing here and playing here for many years to come.”